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Oklahoma principal tackles Columbine-inspired gunman during school attack

April 15, 2026

Summary

Pauls Valley High School principal Kirk Moore tackled a 20-year-old gunman, Victor Lee Hawkins, armed with two semiautomatic handguns, who admitted he wanted to conduct a school shooting like Columbine, with video capturing the dramatic intervention.

How coverage differs

Left outlets highlight Principal Moore's heroic intervention preventing tragedy, while right outlets focus on the dramatic confrontation where he was shot tackling the Columbine-obsessed gunman.

  • Left: Principal's swift, brave action averts school tragedy Left-leaning outlets like CNN highlight the heroic actions of Principal Kirk Moore, emphasizing his quick intervention that prevented a potentially devastating school shooting at Pauls Valley High School. They underscore the bravery involved in tackling a gunman armed with two semiautomatic handguns.
  • Center: Video, affidavit reveal Columbine-inspired plot thwarted by principal Center outlets like The Hill News and BBC World provide a factual account of the incident, reporting on the video evidence showing Principal Kirk Moore tackling gunman Victor Lee Hawkins. They detail the affidavit where Hawkins admitted his Columbine-inspired intentions.
  • Right: Principal's heroic action prevents Columbine-style tragedy, saving lives Right-leaning outlets like the NY Post News focus on the dramatic moment Principal Kirk Moore tackled the Columbine-obsessed school shooter, Victor Lee Hawkins. They highlight the intense confrontation, noting the principal's bravery while being shot during the incident at Pauls Valley High School.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Oklahoma high school principal tackles gunman - CNN

Center

  • Video shows Oklahoma principal tackle Columbine-inspired gunman: affidavit
  • Moment gunman tackled by school principal

Right

  • Dramatic moment Oklahoma principal Kirk Moore tackles Columbine-obsessed school shooter while being shot

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